Enhanced radio-luminescence and density in amorphous optical glass for X-ray imaging

Amorphous glass scintillators are designed, and the radio-luminescence and density are modulated by GdF₃ concentration. The glass density is enhanced to 4.62 g/cm³, which is higher than oxyfluoride glass ceramics, and increases the absorption coefficient for X-rays. The radio-luminescence intensity of optimum glass is higher than that of traditional glass scintillators and even 22 times higher than commercial Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ (BGO) crystal. Clear imaging photos of objects such as an earphone, metal springs, a peanut, and an integrated circuit chip are all obtained by using the designed glass as a scintillator with a spatial resolution of 20.4 lp/mm. This work provides a strategy for engineering an excellent glass scintillator for clear X-ray imaging.